Music Curriculum at Bramber 

Intent 

At Bramber Primary School, our music curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, foster self-expression, and support children on their individual musical journeys as well as giving them opportunities to connect with others. We aim to cultivate a lifelong love of music by exposing pupils to a rich variety of musical experiences and igniting their passion for the subject. Through listening and responding to diverse musical styles, developing their voices as singers, performers, and composers, children grow into confident, reflective musicians.

“Music is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity.”

— The National Curriculum

Our curriculum aims to develop pupils who:

• Sing and use their voices confidently, both individually and in groups
• Compose and create music independently and collaboratively
• Use technology effectively in the composition process
• Have opportunities to learn and play a variety of musical instruments
• Understand how music is created, produced, and communicated
• Listen to, review, and evaluate the work of great composers and musicians across historical periods, genres, styles, and traditions
• Appreciate a wide range of musical styles, including Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pop, Rock, and more
• Use and understand musical terminology and incorporate musical features in their own work
• Make informed judgments about the quality and impact of music
• Have different opportunities to take part in performances

Implementation  

Our music curriculum is delivered by specialists and teachers through the Charanga programme, a comprehensive and inclusive resource tailored for primary education. Charanga enables teachers to create engaging, accessible lessons that promote a love of learning and musical exploration.

Lessons are sequenced to allow children to revisit, deepen, and apply their understanding. Pupils regularly engage in singing, listening, playing, performing, and evaluating—both in the classroom and during assemblies and school performances.

Key musical elements are taught explicitly, empowering children to discuss music using appropriate vocabulary and understand how it is made, played, appreciated, and analysed. Pupils learn to play instruments such as the recorder and glockenspiel, gaining insight into note creation, musical notation, and score reading.

Composition is a central part of the curriculum, with children exploring musical dimensions such as pitch, tempo, dynamics, and structure. They also compose and perform using body percussion, vocal sounds, and digital tools, which helps them grasp musical concepts without the complexity of traditional instruments.

Impact 

Throughout their time at Bramber, children are encouraged to forge their own musical paths, discovering personal strengths and areas for growth. Music supports the development of key skills such as self-confidence, collaboration, self-reflection, and cultural awareness.

Our curriculum helps children understand music’s role in history, religion, and culture—both personally and globally.

Pupils experience music in multiple ways: as listeners, creators, and performers. They learn to discuss and analyse music, sing, feel rhythm and pulse, and create melodies collaboratively. These foundational skills prepare them to continue enjoying and engaging with music throughout their lives.